12 Best Foundations for Combination Skin Worth Adding to Your Makeup Kit
Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer Updated on Feb 08, 2024 the Products Curated for This Article Are Independently Chosen by the Editorial Team...
Makeup brands have started to introduce multiple makeup products that suit every skin type and tone. With a wide range of skin shades, foundations have been the patent makeup product found in every young and old vanity kit. There are foundations for combination skin, foundations for normal skin, foundations for dry skin and foundations for oily skin. There are also foundations for all skin types and so if you are wondering which type of foundation is the best then it all depends on your skin’s texture and type. People possessing normal skin won't face any issues but one who possesses a combination might have to deal with their makeup base in a wiser way. Thus the search for the best foundation for combination skin can be daunting.
Francois Nars, the owner of Nars Cosmetics said, “Foundation should unify tone, but it shouldn’t take away the individuality of the skin.”
With seemingly endless options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. From lightweight, long-wearing formulas to full-coverage, oil-free formulas, there are plenty of options to consider. There are foundation sticks, face washes and moisturizers for combination skin that solve every problem of females possessing a combination skin and dealing with skincare confusions. Today, we will help you to solve them all and make you a pro. Scroll down and check out everything that you need to know about the top 10 foundations for combination skin.
Our top picks
12 Best Foundations for Combination Skin
For those who wish to have a foundation that offers coverage but doesn’t really feel like you have any makeup on, this product by Urban Decay is a great choice. The foundation works for combination skin as well as other skin types because the weightless hydrating liquid is bothering none! What we love about this product is that its formulation is like that of a nourishing serum, which goes on oh-so-smoothly over your skin and evenly covers the face in seconds, so you don’t have to fatigue your hand while dabbing it on. Besides, the product is available in over 40 shades, so there’s one for every skin tone!
Pros
- Quenches skin’s thirst
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Not cakey
- Works fine for sensitive skin
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Medium buildable coverage
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Too liquidy
- Not that long-lasting
2
Best Coverage
Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation
Another serum-like foundation on the list is this product by Dermablend — a brand you can rely on for every “coverage-related” skin needs. The formulation of this product is so richly pigmented that just about 3-4 drops of it can cover your entire face for a sheer finish. And, if you desire to hide more imperfections then you’ll be glad to know that its formula is also buildable, and you can layer up at your convenience. The finish of this product never gets cakey or forms cracks; hence, no matter how oily your T-zone gets, the product has got you covered!
Pros
- Lean formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free and oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- A little goes a long way
- Natural finish
- Doesn’t settle in fine lines
Cons
- Could be more long-lasting
3
Best Overall
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation is the perfect foundation for your skin! This lightweight and oil-free foundation is water-resistant and transfer-resistant, making it a great choice for combination skin. It's also mask-friendly and provides a matte finish, while also nourishing and protecting your skin from the harsh effects of pollution with its antioxidant vitamin E. With this foundation, you can enjoy a flawless complexion and skin protection all day long.
Pros
- Oil-free
- No fragrance
- Good coverage
- No skin irritation
- Good shade range
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No dewy finish
- Dries fast
4
Clinique Even Better Makeup
Clinique Even Better Makeup is a revolutionary makeup that evens skin tone, brightens skin, prevents new discolorations, and hydrates while providing moderate coverage. Its unique formula has been specially designed to nourish and protect your skin, leaving you with a natural, healthy glow. Its active ingredients help to reduce the appearance of existing discolorations and prevent new ones from forming. It also provides light-to-medium coverage that evens out skin tone and restores your skin’s natural radiance. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a lightweight formula that not only evens out skin tone but also brightens, hydrates, and prevents discolorations.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Oil-free
- Includes SPF 15
- No white cast
- Does not oxidize
Cons
- Transfers easily
- Lacks glow
5
Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation is a buildable foundation with medium coverage and a healthy satin finish. Its lightweight and breathable formula glides on smoothly and evenly, providing a flawless look that lasts all day. With its nourishing and skin loving ingredients, this foundation helps to keep your complexion looking healthy and glowing. Be it a natural look or a more glamorous finish, this foundation makes for a perfect choice.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- No paraben
- Includes protective SPF 20
Cons
- Strongly scented
- Costly
6
bareMinerals MATTE Foundation
Discover the natural beauty of your skin with bareMinerals matte foundation. This lightweight matte coverage foundation has a non-drying feel that leaves your skin looking and feeling healthy. The formula is enriched with minerals and antioxidants, giving you a natural, even appearance without a heavy, cakey finish. It helps provide a smooth base for a flawless look. You can feel confident knowing that your skin looks healthy and radiant. Enjoy the perfect balance of coverage and comfort with this foundation.
Pros
- Vegan
- No paraben
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically tested formulas
- Protection against UVA/UVB rays
- Reduced imperfections
Cons
- Not much availability
- Does not settle into fine lines
7
Great Shade Range
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is the perfect foundation to give you a natural, satin finish. This foundation is lightweight yet provides medium to full coverage. It's waterproof, so you don't have to worry about it running off in the rain or sweating off in the summer. Plus, it's hydrating, so it won't dry out your skin. It has oil control that will help to keep your skin shine-free all day long. Get ready for a flawless, natural complexion with this foundation.
Pros
- Includes SPF 15
- No cakey finish
- No patchy residue
- Not heavy
- Good shade range
- Sturdy packaging
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Not cruelty-free
8
Travel-Friendly
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation that provides natural-looking, radiant coverage. Its lightweight, oil-free formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, alpine rose and coconut water to help hydrate and nourish the skin. Its breathable, natural-looking finish helps to even out skin tone and blur imperfections, while its buildable coverage allows you to customize your desired look. With a lightweight, oil-free formula and a velvety, natural-looking matte finish, you'll be looking your best no matter where you go.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- No scent
- Smooth texture
- Stays for long
- Does not accentuate dry patches
- Great packaging
Cons
- Pricey
- Not great coverage
9
Budget-Friendly
COVERGIRL Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation
Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation is the perfect way to get a healthy, glowing complexion. Its lightweight, vitamin-infused formula is designed to reduce oily shine appearance while providing your skin with a special antioxidant complex and all the vitamins it needs to look and feel its best. The unique formula is designed to nourish and protect, leaving you with a radiant, youthful complexion. Experience the power of this foundation to give your skin an enviable healthy glow.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Medium to full coverage
- Easy to apply
- No skin irritation
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Limited shade range
10
Easy-to-Apply
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
NYX Professional Makeup brings you the ultimate color-correction experience with its total control drop foundation. Its lightweight formula provides you with buildable coverage, so you can choose your desired look - from a natural sheer finish to a full coverage one. Its velvety matte finish ensures a smooth and even complexion, while its blendable formula ensures you can create a natural, seamless look. Plus, its long-lasting formula ensures your makeup stays put all day!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free formula
- Easily blendable
- Great texture
- Decent wearing time
- Wide shade range
Cons
- No SPF
- Expensive
11
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation
Transform your skin with L'Oreal Paris True Match super-blendable liquid foundation! Perfect for achieving a flawless complexion, the innovative formula ensures a perfect skin tone match that works with your skin's undertone too. Plus, it has skin-nourishing ingredients that help to diffuse any imperfections, giving you a natural, radiant look. With its lightweight texture, it blends seamlessly into your skin, delivering a flawless finish that lasts all day long. So don't settle for anything less – experience the confidence of perfect skin with this foundation.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- No oil
- No fragrance
- Long-lasting
- Not watery or runny
Cons
- Accentuates dry patches
- Not travel-friendly
12
Lumene Matte Oil Control Foundation
Lumene Matte Oil Control Foundation is your go-to for a long-lasting matte complexion. Its lightweight texture glides on smoothly and evenly, so you don't have to worry about patchy or cakey coverage. With this product, you can count on fresh and shine-free skin all day long. The oil control properties ensure that you stay looking your best all day. Trust this foundation to provide you with beautiful, even coverage that will last.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Non-greasy
- Skin-brightening
- No build-up
Cons
- Overpriced
- Poor packaging
Must Read
How to Select Best Foundations for Combination Skin?
Finding the best foundation for combination skin can be a tricky task. With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to navigate through the various options and find the best one for your skin type.
Combination skin is unique, as it typically consists of an oily t-zone (the area around the nose, forehead, and chin) with drier patches on the cheeks and around the eyes. As such, it’s important to look for a foundation that balances the oily and dry areas, while also providing enough coverage and hydration.
To help you find the best foundation for combination skin, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping.
Type: First, consider the type of foundation you want to purchase. Do you prefer a liquid, cream, or powder foundation? Different types of foundations offer different benefits, so consider which one is best for your skin type.
Formula: Next, look for a formula that is non-comedogenic, as this means it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Additionally, it’s best to look for a formula that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are designed to provide hydration, while also helping protect the skin’s barrier.
Shade: It’s also important to check the shade range when shopping for a foundation. A wide range of shades will ensure you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.
SPF: Additionally, you may want to consider looking for a foundation that contains SPF, as this will help protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
By following these tips, we are sure that you’ll be able to find the perfect foundation for your combination skin. With the right foundation, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless look, while also keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.